Assumption Place stands tall in downtown . For the entire Acadian community, it is both a historic monument and a symbol of success. (Photo: Daniel St-Louis)

100 years in retrospect - english 4336-00A-2003 Assumption Mutual Life Insurance Company The First One Hundred Years 1903 - 2003

Assumption Life’s history is directly linked to the vitality of the Acadian people.

Today, the company is proud of a century of consolidation, mutual support, education, and social and economic development in its pursuit of maintaining the Acadian culture in North America.

Assumption Life’s first one hundred years will be notable for the determination of its leaders, the integrity of their objectives, and the wisdom of their social commitment. Because of these qualities, the company is now one of the major financial institutions in the Maritimes.

Assumption Life owes its success to the Acadian people’s sound business sense and to their commitment to preserving their culture.

As it embarks on a new century, the company remains faithful to its traditional values while embracing the future.

Pride in its past and confidence in the future will doubtless continue to contribute to the economic success and social and cultural well-being of the various communities that Assumption Life serves. A Fraternal Benefit Society 1903 - 1930

The origins of Assumption Life were This group banded together to look after the needs In 1913, the head office of Société l’Assomption based on a determination to survive… of Acadian families made vulnerable by illness, moved to 696 Main Street, Moncton. This photo of as a community. disability, or the death of their main breadwinners. the building dates from that period. They also wanted to ensure that deserving Acadian (Photo: Arnold’s Studio Ltd.) The Acadian people scattered throughout the children received the education they needed to north-eastern part of the North American continent felt succeed in life. Their motto sums up the objectives of a pressing need to preserve their faith, their language, Société l’Assomption: “Union, charité, protection” their culture and to ensure their survival and future. (“Union, Charity, Protection”). In 1903, they founded a fraternal society known as Société l’Assomption.

The March 1912 issue of the newspaper L’Assomption. (Photo courtesy of the Centre d’études acadiennes of Université de Moncton) A Fraternal Benefit Society 1903 - 1930

Life Insurance

Société l’Assomption offered its members life insurance policies so that their families could continue to meet their obligations after the head of the family had passed away.

The company was not long in giving a voice to Acadian women, opening in Waltham in 1912 the first exclusively female branch, Évangéline. The first women's branch in Canada was founded the following year in Shediac and named Jeanne d’Arc.

After moving to Moncton in 1913, Société l’Assomption continued to grow, soon counting 7,520 members at 115 branches, 30 in the United States and 85 in Canada. From 1914 to 1924 alone, the Society amassed total assets of $200,000 and carried insurance policies worth more than $1.5 million!

The company was well on its way, and would reach the 10,000 policy milestone in 1929 and its first $1 million in assets in 1938. Twenty years later, it would have more than $100 million in life insurance policies in force. But let's not get ahead of ourselves.

The oldest life insurance certificate in our archives, dated August 1906. (Photo: Rachelle Richard) A Fraternal Benefit Society 1903 - 1930

La Caisse Écolière It was also decided at that time to offer the same opportunities to young girls. Ten years later, some On joining Société l’Assomption, members were 30 young women had been offered assistance to required to pay in advance, into a separate fund, the continue their studies at convent schools. monthly sum of 5 cents, which was later raised to 10 cents. This contribution was intended to provide “The Caisse Écolière scholarship fund financial assistance for the instruction of gifted boys. contributed to the education of gifted The first two scholarship recipients, Alfred-E. Gallant young Acadian men and women.” and Clifford Vienneau, later became an eminent surgeon “Though we may be and businessman respectively. To qualify, they had to too poor to educate It is interesting to note that the scholarship fund also take part in a competitive entrance examination that had an agricultural counterpart, the Caisse Agricole, included a written test. The boy aged 14 or up who all our children, surely which helped young men pursuing agricultural studies. received the highest score would be awarded a bursary. together we can save Between 1914 and 1961, 56 young took advantage of this special scholarship fund. However, it soon became clear that this practice up enough nickels to discriminated against the rural Acadian population, educate at least one Finally, there was the Caisse Universitaire, established who did not have access to high schools. It was in 1919 and funded by donations to offer loans to therefore decided that all boys who scored well on Acadian child.” university students. Although its source of financing the written exam would be entered in a random draw. Words of our founders varied over the years, it managed to provide support Of course, the organizers appealed to Our Lady of the to 86 students between 1931 and 1951. Assumption to guide the hand of the person who drew the winner's name! Today, Assumption Life continues to award scholarships every year under the auspices of the Assumption During its first 10 years in operation, the scholarship Foundation. To date, it has donated over $3.5 million fund helped educate 85 boys, 17 of whom later became in bursaries. priests and another 13 took up professional occupations. A Fraternal Benefit Society 1903 - 1930

Patriotic Acadian song (Sung to “Mariez-moi, ma petite maman”)

I 4 I sing these verses in celebration of The century and a half that has just ended Société l’Assomption flourished through the 1920s, finally My country, its history, After so much sad destruction, outgrowing its original headquarters and moving to more The battles fought by my valiant forefathers, Still holds such sweet memories spacious offices in 1927. The Society shared this space with And of their faith, which led them to triumph Of the courage of our ancestors: another Acadian institution, the newspaper L’Évangéline. In , Then the sun (Photo: Archives) Beloved land! Of the great awakening Where peace and happiness once reigned. (bis.) Cries to us: “Arise from your slumber, Good citizen, devoted Christian, Unite, and ready yourselves; That was the Acadian of yore. Let faith be your shield!”

2 5 But through one hundred fifty years, Let us walk in the footsteps of our ancestors, The Acadian braved many a storm, Let us be proud to be Acadians; Repulsing, not without loss of blood, Let us pray often for our brothers The enemy who coveted his property. That God keep them Betrayed by the king, Safe from all harm! He sacrificed his home and his rights My native land For his Faith! (bis.) Is Acadia! From his tomb, I hear his words Let us sing of its Echoing over and over... Past and present, this is the intent Of SOCIÉTÉ L’ASSOMPTION.” 3 “Almighty God, save Thy children! END Thy will be done! We pray that all our descendants A translation of original French lyrics by May have perfect Faith in Thee. Dominique S. Leger, Lynn, Massachusetts, 1905. Mother of God, (Courtesy of the Centre d’études acadiennes of Queen of Heaven, Université de Moncton) Protect them wherever they may go. Holy Virgin, let Acadia One day rise again!” A Fraternal Benefit Society 1903 - 1930

The first office to serve as company headquarters was located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, in 1906.

Members of the Waltham/Boston branch in 1910 Philias Belliveau, Axime LeBlanc. Back row: Maurice Bourque, First row, left to right: Calixte Léger, Philippe Vienneau, Clarence F. Cormier, Jean H. LeBlanc, Dominique Belliveau, Philippe Landry, Ferdinand Cormier, William Doucet. Adolphe Cormier. Second row: Philias M. Belliveau, Donat S. Cormier, (Photo courtesy of the Centre d’études acadiennes of Université de Moncton) A Fraternal Benefit Society 1903 - 1930

Mr. Jean H. LeBlanc, Waltham President, Assumption Committee Compatriot

…We must continue toiling until the day we acquire at last certain privileges in triumph for all Acadians…we Acadians must all do something, and the time is now…

…We must ask: Do we or do we not have the right to call ourselves Acadians? If I have correctly understood what happened in Waltham last April 15, we are and must remain Acadians and should have no fear of proclaiming this. Should we then found a national Acadian society? That is the question…

…You may ask how we intend to found a Society without capital, yet we have means available to us…I have the plan but choose not to reveal it until the time is right – organizations have been founded in the past without capital and appear to get on all right and to keep going…I have every reason to believe that we would succeed – of course, we may need to make certain sacrifices, such as resigning other positions we may presently hold so that we might join the Acadians…

…Naturally, we cannot build a great Society within the period of a month or two. If our Society is established with the enthusiasm it deserves, then we are certain to succeed… From a letter dated 1902 by Ferdinand I ask that every aspect of our plan be subject to the closest scrutiny… Richard of Gardner, Massachusetts, the first to document the idea of a national society. (Courtesy of the Centre d’études acadiennes of Université de Moncton) A Fraternal Benefit Society 1903 - 1930

A CENTURY OF PROMOTING THE PROSPERITY OF THE ACADIAN PEOPLE

1903 Foundation of Société l’Assomption in Waltham, Massachusetts, as a fraternal benefit society; establishment of the scholarship fund

1907 The Société receives its first charter by means of a special act of the Legislature

1909 First issue of L’Assomption, the official publication of the Société

1913 Transfer of head office to Moncton, New Brunswick; the Société becomes involved in insurance as such; women are admitted for the first time as members and have access to the Caisse Écolière scholarship fund; establishment of the fund for Caisse Agricole

1919 Acquisition of the historic site at Grand-Pré; establishment of the Caisse Universitaire scholarship fund

1929 Membership in the Société reaches 10,000

First letterhead of Société l’Assomption, 1905. (Courtesy of the Centre d’études acadiennes of Université de Moncton) The Affirmation of a People 1930 – 1969

For an institution associated so closely with Acadians and their history, it is not surprising that Société l’Assomption found itself taking on the defence of important causes.

With affirmation as the driving force behind its activities, the institution soon made its voice heard and threw its economic weight behind causes of which it was often the sole supporter and defender.

Regional conference of Société l’Assomption in Kent County in 1953. From left to right: Mgr. Zoel Members sported these ribbons on their Allain, parish priest of Bouctouche; Mgr. Aldéric Melanson, chaplain general; Louis J. Robichaud, clothing at conferences and meetings of conference chairman; Adélard Savoie, legal advisor; Gilbert Finn, then organizer and assistant Société l’Assomption. general manager; and Father Bourque. (Photo: Rachelle Richard) (Photo courtesy of the Centre d’études acadiennes of Université de Moncton) The Affirmation of a People 1930 – 1969

Celebration marking the bicentennial of the Deportation in The Church at Grand-Pré Grand Pré, , in 1955. (Photo courtesy of the Centre d’études acadiennes of Université de Moncton) Saving the church at Grand-Pré, a site sacred to the first Acadians and fateful place for future deportees, was one of the first undertakings of Société l’Assomption of historic and nationalistic importance.

This story goes back to 1910, when Jean-Frédéric Herbin put up for sale the 22 acres of land on which the church stood. Still lacking the funds required to acquire the property despite a fundraising campaign, Société l’Assomption had to resign itself to seeing the land go to the Dominion Atlantic Railway, a Canadian Pacific subsidiary.

“Saving the church at Grand-Pré was one of the first undertakings of the Société l’Assomption of historic and nationalistic importance.” The Affirmation of a People 1930 – 1969

Religious ceremony led by Pope Pius XII in Rome on the occasion of the proclamation in August 1950 of the dogma of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the result of a petition containing more than 410,000 signatures and sponsored by Société l’Assomption. Many Acadians travelled to Rome to take part in this momentous event. In 1919, however, Société mutuelle l’Assomption finally (Photo courtesy of the Centre d’études acadiennes of Université de Moncton) signed a contract with the Dominion Atlantic Railway to purchase the property. The land cost only $1.00, but the 50 x 100 ft memorial chapel subsequently built on the lot would cost more than $25,000. Over the years were added the famous statue of , a Memorial Park called Land of Evangeline made possible by Canadian Pacific, and a statue of Our Lady of the Assumption to grace the interior of the chapel.

The year 1930 marked the 175th anniversary of the Deportation, and the church at Grand-Pré has since been a pilgrimage site and the most popular monument in all of Eastern Canada.

The church has also come to represent the collective memory of the Acadian people.

Stained glass window from the cathedral of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption in Moncton featuring the founders of the Société, Dr. L. Napoléon Bourque, Rémi Benoît, and Dominique Léger. (Photo courtesy of the Centre d’études acadiennes of Université de Moncton) The Affirmation of a People 1930 – 1969

The employee work area of Société l’Assomption overlooking St. George and Archibald Streets. (Photos courtesy of the Centre d’études acadiennes of Université de Moncton)

The third move of Société l’Assomption marked the first time a new building was constructed specifically to house the company's head office. In 1955, the Société moved its administration into modern offices specially built for this purpose at the corner of St. George and Archibald Streets. (Photo: Archives) First meeting of all agents of the Société and their spouses in the mid-1950s in front of the head office in Moncton. (Photo: Comeau Photography) The Affirmation of a People 1930 – 1969

The Parishes However, given that English was the predominant language of business in Moncton, this campaign soon The close relationship between the Acadian people and caused a backlash among the anglophone community. the Catholic clergy led Société l’Assomption to become Despite its purchasing power, the Acadian community Unveiling of the statue in involved in local parishes. In 1931, the Société came to fear reprisals, particularly against bilingual Waltham, Massachusetts, on the occasion of the th contributed over half a million dollars toward the Acadians working in English-language establishments. 50 anniversary of Société l’Assomption in 1953. construction of churches, schools, and convents. The community consequently opted to be patient and Standing in front ot the statue, one of our founders: bide its time. Clarence F. Cormier. Translation of the inscription at the foot of the statue: “Société l’Assomption In seeking to preserve the Catholic faith and prepare Ancestral fears thus prevailed in the end, and Société dedicates this monument to its glorious patron and young Acadians for the future, Société l’Assomption in memory of its founders.” found that it could best defend the interests of the L’Assomption’s 1934 efforts to promote use of the French language, did not prove as successful as hoped. (Photo: W.B. Hay Waltham Mass. Photos) Acadian people at this time by supporting projects It did, nevertheless, plant the seed of an idea. that were linked to the church.

Promotion of the French Language

Besides supporting the Catholic religion, Société de l’Assomption also promoted the French language. From its perspective, the Acadian business network offered an ideal environment for fostering the use of French.

With this objective in mind, the Société organized the “Achat chez nous” (“Buy local”) campaign in Moncton in 1934 to encourage Acadians to patronize businesses owned by or employing Acadians. The campaign called upon Acadians to address clerks in English-language stores in French and insist on receiving service in French, even if it meant complaining to a manager on duty about the lack of service. Acadians were also encouraged to start filling out cheques and money orders in French, to write all correspondence in French, and to demand such things as French-language advertisements and catalogues. The Affirmation of a People 1930 – 1969

L'Évangéline Newspaper Various management teams succeeded one other at the helm of L’Évangéline, but success was not to be. In 1965, Société l’Assomption took over the Subscription numbers and total advertising revenue management of the daily newspaper L'Évangéline, simply could not keep the newspaper going, and it which was on the verge of stopping publication. This finally shut down in 1982 in the midst of a arrangement would last for 15 years. management-union dispute.

During that time, Société l’Assomption pulled out all the “The daily newspaper L'Évangéline gave stops to make the newspaper more effective and voice to the hopes and accomplishments profitable. Efforts to make the paper self-supporting included fundraising in the form of subscription of the Acadian people.” campaigns carried out among various dioceses, Société des Acadiens du Nouveau-Brunswick, and the The last issue of L’Évangéline was published on June 29, governments of Québec and even France. 1988, closing an important chapter in Acadian history.

The Société called upon the managers of some of Canada's largest newspapers to draw up recovery plans and went so far as to hire some of their employees to work at L'Évangéline.

Front page from L’Évangéline, September 22, 1938. (Courtesy of the Centre d’études acadiennes of Université de Moncton)

Article published in L’Évangéline on August 19, 1943. (Courtesy of the Centre d’études acadiennes of Université de Moncton) The Affirmation of a People 1930 – 1969

The first book on the history of Société l’Assomption A CENTURY OF PROMOTING THE was published in 1933. PROSPERITY OF THE ACADIAN PEOPLE (Photo: Archives)

1931 The Société contributes $500,000 to financing churches, schools, and convents

1934 Organization of a campaign to reclaim the French language under the leadership of Calixte F. Savoie, secretary-treasurer of the Société

1938 Total assets of the Société reach the $1 million mark

1947 The Société acquires an automated data-processing system

1953 Membership in the Société reaches 66,000

1958 The Société achieves an all-time high of $100 million in insurance in force

1960 Establishment of the first corporate pension plan

1964 Incorporation of the Caisse Universitaire scholarship fund

1965 The Société assumes management of the newspaper L’Évangéline

1969 The company becomes a full mutual life insurance company; group life insurance and disability insurance are added to the product portfolio

Two issues, published in 1958, of the newspaper L’Assomption. (Photo: Archives) The Redeployment of an Economic Force 1969 – 2003

By the early 1960s, Société l’Assomption boasted assets of nearly $23 million and held life insurance policies in force worth $130 million. Its membership had increased from 8,000 in 1926 to some 75,000 in 1962.

Mutualization

Société l’Assomption now represented a powerful economic force. Over the course of its existence, it had undertaken many challenges and supported many causes on behalf of the Acadian people, often with the help of various high-profile individuals. However, the times were changing, and the institution had to adapt if it wanted to ensure the future of its members.

Société l’Assomption consequently mutualized in 1969 and became Assumption Mutual Life Insurance Company. Although the sale of life insurance was still the company’s main priority, it now also offered other timely products and services to its current and prospective clients.

The company’s success was such that from 1969 to 1979, total insurance policies in force increased from $214 million to $850 million, while its assets went from $30 million to $84 million.

Article published in L’Évangéline on January 16, 1969 (unveiling of new logo). (Photo courtesy of the Centre d’études acadiennes of Université de Moncton) The Redeployment of an Economic Force 1969 – 2003

Real Estate Development

In addition to the redeployment initiated by the mutualization effort, two major projects helped Assumption Life refocus its business and reaffirm its position in the business world: the construction of Assumption Place in Moncton and of Carrefour Assomption in .

The construction of these two commercial and business centres, each home to a hotel and convention centre, contributed substantially to the development of the Moncton and Edmundston downtown areas. The real estate projects have also proved excellent investments.

Together, these redeployment activities provided Assumption Life with the means and tools needed to better serve its clientele, compete with other life insurance companies, and continue to provide financial aid, as needed, to Acadian organizations seeking its help.

Article published in L’Évangéline on November 22, 1971. (Photo courtesy of the Centre d’études acadiennes of Université de Moncton) The Redeployment of an Economic Force 1969 – 2003

Moving the computers, which at that time were huge, proved quite a challenge. (Photo: Arnold’s Studio Ltd.)

Picture taken on Assumption Place roof during construction. (Photo: Archives)

Sod-turning ceremony at the Assumption Place building site with President and CEO Gilbert Finn and Mayor Leonard Jones in 1970. (Photo: Arnold’s Studio Ltd.) The Redeployment of an Economic Force 1969 – 2003

The construction of Carrefour Assomption in the heart of downtown Edmundston was another major investment for Assumption Life. During the 1970s and 1980s, the strong Canadian economy and increasing demand for office space prompted many businesses to invest in real estate.

Aerial view of Carrefour Assomption in downtown Edmundston. (Photo: Studio Laporte) The Redeployment of an Economic Force 1969 – 2003

Assumption Life's internal newsletters over the years: “Petite histoire d’une grande Entre Nous in the 1990s, Coup d’œil in the 1970s and idée”, signed by Euclide Daigle, 1980s, and a special edition of Assumption Life’s was published in 1978, year newsletter called Quo Vadis in 1987. of Assumption Life’s (Photo: Rachelle Richard) 75th anniversary. (Photo courtesy of the Centre d’études acadiennes of Université de Moncton)

(Photo courtesy of the Centre d’études acadiennes of Université de Moncton) The Redeployment of an Economic Force 1969 – 2003

Our Commitment to Education

One of Assumption Life's unique characteristics is the support it provides to the children of its members and to Acadia as a whole.

In 1903, the company created the Caisse Écolière to grant scholarships to gifted young students. A century later, the company remains true to its objectives, providing bursaries and support to a number of young Acadian students through the auspices of the Assumption Foundation.

The activities of the Foundation include managing the monies left to it by donors who have had notable careers and seek to encourage those following in their footsteps.

Through the Assumption Foundation, Assumption Life continues to pursue its commitment to the community thanks to its conviction, inherited from its founders, that investment in education is a guarantee for the future and benefits the community as a whole. In 1987, Assumption Life endowed the Assumption Chair of administrative studies at Université de Moncton. Shown here, signing the agreement: Gilbert Doucet, Assumption Life President and CEO, and Dr. Louis Philippe Blanchard, president of l’Université de Moncton. In the back: Leonard LeBlanc, vice-president of academic at the campus. (Photo courtesy of the Centre d’études acadiennes of Université de Moncton)

One of Assumption Life’s unique characteristics is its ongoing support of the education of young Acadians. Since the company's beginnings, it has donated over $3.5 million in bursaries. Here is a group of Assumption Foundation scholarship recipients for 1979. (Photo courtesy of the Centre d’études acadiennes of Université de Moncton) The Redeployment of an Economic Force 1969 – 2003

Louisbourg Investments

In the late 1980s, the profit margins on traditional By the end of 2001, Louisbourg Investments was life insurance products took a downturn. In addition, managing assets totalling $1.3 billion, while Assumption competitors moved into the geographic territory Life, recording a profit of $3.6 billion, the highest in traditionally occupied by Assumption Life. its history, had become one of the Maritimes’ economic leaders. As a result, the company decided to establish an investment management subsidiary for the purpose of improving the yield of its own insurance funds. It also sought to offer its current and prospective clients an even broader range of financial products and services. "Louisbourg Investments has become the cornerstone to In the early 1990s, Assumption Life finalized plans to establish an investment company for the management Assumption Life’s leap into the of trust funds, creating Louisbourg Investments in new millennium." February 1991. The main objective of this subsidiary was to enhance the range of investment management services that Assumption Life offers to other institutions and groups and to make New Brunswick a hub for decision-making and research in investment management. This new company was the product of synergy and an agreement with Bolton Tremblay known today as Montrusco Bolton.

Louisbourg Investments provides investment management The subsidiary Louisbourg Investments and financial planning services for pension plans, trusts, was the first investment firm to have its insurance companies, and individual investors. It has head office in the Maritimes. Jean-Luc become a major regional investment management Landry, President of Bolton Tremblay, company and a cornerstone to Assumption Life’s leap and Michel Bastarache, President and into the new millennium. CEO in 1991. (Photo: Bob Maillet) The Redeployment of an Economic Force 1969 – 2003

Community Service Involvement

Throughout the years, Assumption Life’s sincere commitment has led it to provide financial support to associations and organizations such as the Jeux de l’Acadie, the Université de Moncton’s Impact campaign, the SAANB, Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont Hospital, Université Sainte-Anne, the Fondation des Scouts et Guides du "The times were Nouveau-Brunswick, the Moncton Hospital, etc. changing, and Other sports, arts, and cultural entities and many other charitable initiatives have also benefitted from the Assumption Life had company's generosity. Assumption Life has always to adapt to ensure the embraced the importance of building a prosperous future for the Acadian community. future of its Several members of the in-house team for the CAPS-I-L project in 1991. Assumption Life established a pilot company and trained a conversion team of some 20 employees in members." The Fight Against Breast Cancer setting up this software for use by individual life insurance and annuities. (Photo: Archives) Assumption Life has also undertaken more contemporary forms of community involvement by playing an active role in the fight against breast cancer.

To this end, in 2001 the company signed a five-year commitment to support the research efforts of the Institut de recherche médicale Beauséjour in the field of breast cancer research. By 2005, Assumption Life will have contributed over $200,000 to this cause. Assumption Life sponsored the television movie “Arthur's Violin” in 1991 with an investment of $75,000. (Photo: Archives) The Redeployment of an Economic Force 1969 – 2003

At the dawn of the new millennium, the former Commercial Street became Assumption Boulevard. Assumption Life A CENTURY OF PROMOTING THE organized a huge street party on July 1, PROSPERITY OF THE ACADIAN PEOPLE 1999, called “Spotlight on the Boulevard” to celebrate the occasion with the public. Moncton Mayor, Brian 1973 Grand opening of Assumption Place, the company's new head Murphy, and Assumption Life President office, in downtown Moncton and CEO, Denis Losier. (Photo: Louis Michel Downing) 1974 Total company assets reach $50 million

1976 The company issues its first one-million-dollar life insurance policy

1979 Grand opening of Carrefour Assomption in downtown Edmundston

1987 Creation of the Assumption Chair at Université de Moncton to promote studies and research in administration

1990 Creation of Louisbourg Investments, investment management subsidiary

1999 Louisbourg Investments records its first billion dollars in assets under management

2001 The company undertakes a major technology development project to establish an e-business base; the company posts a profit of $5.1 million, the highest in its history; a five-year agreement is signed to help the Institut de recherche médicale Beauséjour carry on its breast cancer research

Assumption Life’s 100 th Anniversary Gala, held in January 2003, was an event to remember for all employees, representatives, retirees and former and current members of the Board of Directors. The guests enjoyed a magical evening. (Photo: Daniel St-Louis) Our Leaders 1903 – 2003

President and CEO Chairman of the Board

Société l’Assomption Société l’Assomption General Manager President

Jean H. LeBlanc 1903 – 1913 Rémi Benoît 1903 – 1904 Clarence F. Cormier 1913 – 1914 Elphège Léger 1904 – 1906 Alexandre J. Doucet 1914 – 1923 Dr. Édouard T. Gaudet 1906 – 1908 Auguste E. Daigle 1923 – 1926 Clarence F. Cormier 1908 – 1910 Calixte F. Savoie 1926 – 1962 Hon. J. Willie Comeau 1910 – 1913 Gilbert Finn 1962 – 1968 Hon. David D. Landry 1913 – 1919 Mgr. François A. Bourgeois 1919 – 1920 Assumption Mutual Life Insurance Company J. Louis-Philippe St-Cœur 1920 – 1923 President and CEO Jean-Paul Chiasson 1923 – 1927 Dr. Albert M. Sormany 1927 – 1951 Gilbert Finn 1969 – 1980 Calixte F. Savoie 1951 – 1962 Simon Bujold 1980 – 1985 Ulric Gauthier 1962 – 1966 Gilbert Doucet 1985 – 1989 Edmond Frenette 1966 – 1969 Michel Bastarache 1989 – 1994 Denis Losier 1994 – Assumption Mutual Life Insurance Company Chairman of the Board

Edmond Frenette 1969 – 1980 Gilbert Finn 1980 – 1987 Gérald L. Pelletier 1988 – 1992 Fernand Landry 1992 – 1995 Médard Collette 1995 – 1997 Louis R. Comeau 1997 – 2002 Bernard Marcil 2002 – 2003 Our Corporate Look Through the Years 1903 – 2003

From 1903 to 1949 From 1949 to 1964 From 1964 to 1968

1968 From 1969 to 1990 From 1990 to today Loyal to Its Past, Embracing the Future 1903 – 2003

One hundred years strong, Assumption Life aims to become a leader in financial security and to consolidate its economic power in Atlantic Canada.

Having navigated the 1990s, a decade of mergers, acquisitions, and demutualizations, Assumption Life concluded after due consideration that it had the resources it needed to continue its economic expansion by keeping the status quo.

Its internal organization is continually evolving in terms of technology and succession planning. Assumption Life is a leader with regard to best practices for governance and sound risk management, thereby ensuring clients’ financial security and peace of mind.

Assumption Life is ready to take on the next century. Assumption Place stands tall in downtown Moncton. For the entire Acadian community, it is both a historic monument and a symbol of success. (Photo: Daniel St-Louis)

100 years in retrospect - english 4336-00A-2003 Assumption Mutual Life Insurance Company